I like that softboiled and refresh are, logically, able to target allies, but I think there are some other moves for which it would make sense to target allies with, and others for which the range can be adjusted.

For example, Barrier likely would form a small wall in front of the user; allies horizontally adjacent to the user would be at least minimally protected by it, wouldn't they?

And I imagine Aqua Ring would also have a small AOE as well, and growl would have a cone shape. Just some things to consider to make the game more interesting; this is not of top priority.

The opening post is kind of taking it away from how moves actually work in the Pokemon games a bit too much, like its nice so far how the game puts it own twist on certain moves with cooldowns and what not.

But like... imo, I don't like the idea of changing certain skills which is in no way an AoE skill, into an AoE affecting skill

Well as far as Aqua Ring goes, Heal Pulse is already an AoE heal move... Aqua Ring could heal water Pokemons 1 tile around you AT BEST... Can't see it doing anything other than that though.

I actually thought about doing the whole "Barrier creates a wall infront of you" etc. etc. But the thing is that Pokemon works with buffs and debuffs, you start taking out those - and in the end everyone will just start spamming Flamethrowers and Ice Beams all game. Also unbalances the amount of buffs and debuffs in the game (like only 1 move that raises def stages +2, and only a few Pokemon learn it etc.)

Idk if I'm clear on that, BUT this is only as far as PZ goes.... I'm going to try and have all of the other crazy content in ZT (walls that block, screens that bounce damage back etc.) Because we have the Tabula Rasa on that one, while here we have to sort of follow a regime on Pokemon aspects and what not.

I've always liked Pokemon as an RPG but I've also always felt that the way the creators intended for it to be wasn't always the best choice they could have made, so although it makes sense to follow the path that's been set out for you, I would encourage you to make your own decisions to make the game the most fun for everybody.

I can see a couple of ways to make moves more interesting in general and yet keep the balance of not spamming flamethrowers and ice beams, but you should do with it what you want.